XS-1 on the ramp with the B-29 mothership in 1949. This is the second XS-1 built; it later was converted into the X-1E. (NASA Photo)Nov. 14, 1949 - NACA's Muroc unit, with about 100 people, designated NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station (HSFRS). Walt Williams was named Chief of the Station.

Mar. 10, 1948 - Herb Hoover was the first NACA pilot and first civilian to fly supersonically in the X-1 .

Sept. 30, 1946 - Five NACA engineers, headed by Walt Williams, arrived at Muroc Army Airfield (now Edwards AFB) about this date from Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory, VA, to prepare for X-1 supersonic research flights in joint NACA-Army Air Forces program. First NACA-NASA presence is established at the Mojave Desert site. (Note: Some sources report the arrival of thirteen individuals on Sept. 30, but an early chronology shows only the original 5, with a total of 13 NACA people not present at Muroc until December.)